When it comes to assessing the potential of young drivers, it’s not always easy to predict who will emerge as a future Formula 1 world champion. Even current F1 champ Max Verstappen has faced such trials & tribulations in his younger days. Toto Wolff lately revealed that the Dutchman didn’t capture much attention during his time in Formula 3. Instead, all eyes were on another F1 star, who was considered the driver with the most hype in 2014.

During the 2014 season, Max Verstappen was honing his skills in Formula 3 as part of the Van Amersfoort Racing team. While Verstappen enjoyed a successful year, finishing 3rd overall, Toto and many others had their eyes on another rising prodigy. In an interview with ESPN, the Mercedes boss expressed his thoughts on this young star who overshadowed Max.

Toto Wolff remarked, “Back in the day I think there wasn’t huge hype around Max [Verstappen], because Max and Van Amersfoort weren’t winning the championship that year. Esteban [Ocon] won in a more competitive car.” According to Wolff, the general public was unaware of Verstappen’s potential due to the car’s limitations while Esteban Ocon won the 2014 F3 championship.

Ocon’s victory garnered significant attention and earned him a place in the Mercedes program. However, it would be Verstappen who would make his F1 debut in 2015, driving for Toro Rosso. While Ocon had to wait until 2016 to join the premier racing series.

Toto further added, “Was it clear that Max would step into these shoes? It wasn’t clear back then.” So, in the shadow of Ocon’s glory, the Austrian had his doubts about Verstappen’s prowess. Eventually, he may have had his doubts clarified.

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Wolff has acknowledged Verstappen’s growth in the sport. As we ponder over Wolff’s perspective, it leaves us wondering what could have been if Toto managed to snatch Max away from Red Bull.

Was it a missed opportunity for Toto Wolff & Mercedes?

While Max Verstappen has already secured two F1 championships, his remarkable skills and adept tire management make him a strong contender. Furthermore, with a dominant car at his disposal, Verstappen’s recent victory at the Spanish Grand Prix demonstrates his current prowess. Toto Wolff also revealed his regret about not signing Max Verstappen when the opportunity arose.

Before Max Verstappen’s association with Red Bull as a junior driver was announced, he and his father, Jos Verstappen, met with Toto Wolff to discuss the possibility of joining Mercedes. At the time, Mercedes boasted a successful Formula 1 lineup consisting of Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

The German team was on the cusp of an unprecedented era of dominance. However, Mercedes lacked a junior team, making it impossible to offer the then 16-year-old Verstappen a position in Formula 1 for the 2015 season.

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As F1 continues to evolve, Will another driver rise through the ranks, defying expectations, just as Verstappen did?  The realm of “what ifs” in motorsport is enticing, and only time will reveal the answers.